Research and Analysis Consultant

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Office of Undergraduate Education (UE) at the Pennsylvania State University, a world-renowned multi-campus research university, seeks a dynamic and experienced individual for the position of a Research and Analysis Consultant. This is an opportunity for an expert in research, data analysis, and planning to support the missions and activities of the Office of Undergraduate Education and other UE offices.

The Research and Analysis Consultant will design, conduct, and lead research studies leading to strong analyses of quantitative and qualitative data to inform decision-making regarding important unit-level issues and priorities for the university. The successful candidate will be highly collaborative and provide support and guidance to administrators and directors in appropriate analytical techniques, interpreting and utilizing the data reports generated, determining the impact on proposed programs, and developing viable alternatives and strategies.

The Senior Vice Provost oversees the Office of Undergraduate Education and the Office of Faculty Affairs in the Office of the Provost. There will potentially be opportunities to collaborate on items of priority within the Office of Faculty Affairs and the Office of the Provost.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Providing comprehensive decision support to the Senior Vice Provost and AVPs of Undergraduate Education
• Using in-dept knowledge of advanced research methods and statistical techniques to design new, high-level, in-depth, and customized studies, using multiple data sources
• Actively collaborating and partnering with faculty, staff, and institutional research practitioners across the University

Required Skillsets Include:

• Technical
  • Ability to query data, merge/clean large datasets, determine and execute appropriate statistical analysis to find meaningful results
  • Data analysis: process of systematically collecting, cleaning, transforming, describing, modeling, and interpreting data (statistical techniques) to extract meaning insights for informed decision making (e.g., using high school GPA, test scores, and demographic information, predict which students may struggle in certain programs and proactively offer additional support)
  • Data analytics: Process of analyzing data to find patterns, draw conclusions, and make decisions (e.g., identify at-risk students and personalize learning experiences)
  • Program evaluation
  • Database functional knowledge (knowledge of processes in connecting to "cloud" databases)
  • Coding/programs: SQL, MS Access, R, SPSS, Excel, etc.

• Data visualization
  • PowerBI (create clear, easy to digest reports)
  • Graphics (e.g., graphs, tables, flowcharts)
  • Other visualization programs like MS Whiteboard, etc.
• Survey research
• Qualitative research (e.g., focus groups, interviews)
• Communication - verbal and written
  • Communicate promptly and clearly to colleagues
  • Interpret and present studies for/to stakeholders
  • Presentation - ability to communicate technical information in laymen's terms/adapt to audience
• Organization
  • Clear documentation
  • Project management
  • Strong prioritization skills in communication with leadership to align with UE/university priorities
• Strategic Leadership
  • Ability to cast a vision, mission, and execute strategic plan
  • Knowledge of strategic planning
  • Create connections/combine initiatives, as appropriate, between units
  • Lead and serve on various university level committees

Education and Experience:

• Minimally requires a Master's Degree, 6+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Ability to convey technical information to groups with varying levels of prior statistical knowledge
• A proven track record in presenting complex data and analysis to leadership
• This position is filled at the Senior Professional level

This position is based at University Park, with a flexible work arrangement possibility.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: